My New Go-To Sleek Camera Sling From Clever Supply Co.

Steven Schultz @stevenmschultz

November 18, 2024

This camera sling from Clever Supply is sure to turn heads with a waxed canvas exterior and padded modular interior.

10MomentScore

Okay, I need to come clean — I'm a bit of a bag nerd.

I'm fascinated with the empathetic design process and the deliberate decisions it takes to make a functional bag. As photographers and filmmakers, we interact with them daily across various (often demanding) scenarios. I've tested, owned, and sold many bags, all in the pursuit of finding the perfect match to what will make my work more accessible, not harder.

And that's precisely why the Clever Supply Co. Camera Sling is the best sling bag I've ever used. Check out their Kickstarter campaign and back now!

I know, that's a bold statement, but hear me out.

Camera Sling - Tan

Clever Supply

Two years in the making, the Camera Sling from Clever Supply is their latest offering. Built with the active photographer in mind and with rugged materials that will stand the test of time.

Add for $224

Where Form and Function are Married

When it comes to bag design, the ultimate goal is to marry form and function. Form — how the bag looks — and function — how it performs. A bag that looks beautiful and holds up to rigorous use. And Clever Supply did just that with this Sling.

The Camera Sling is made of hearty waxed canvas, equipped with a seatbelt-material strap and shoulder pad, and sealed with a coated YKK weatherproof zipper. The leather accents throughout, particularly on the bottom of the bag, add class and another layer of durability. It looks good enough to wear to a wedding and performs well enough to take out on an adventure in bad weather, something few bags can achieve.

My favorite design decision is the grab handles on the bag's exterior: one on the top and one on either side of the pack. This may seem insignificant, but this shows a lot of empathy for the user. When traveling, on a shoot, or moving quickly from point A to point B, it can feel sloppy to grab a sling bag by the strap. But with these side handles, no matter how the load is stored—where it's sitting, if it fell behind a seat in a car, or if it's tucked into an overhead compartment on a plane — you are guaranteed to have a handle nearby to grab onto. And that is cool.

Minimal Camera Strap (Split Ring) - Tan / 28" / Stitched

Clever Supply

A great camera strap option for those that prefer a thin strap with split-ring connections, the strap is 3/4" for the entire length. Each strap comes with two removable split-ring bumpers.

Add for $89

Inside the weatherproof zipper is a plush, padded interior with two dividers to create three distinct spaces. You can customize these dividers however you want. There's also a sleeve to hold an 11" tablet and a mesh pocket on the inside lid of the bag. The interior feels just as good as the exterior — everything feels premium and highly protective.

The Camera Sling was designed with mirrorless and 35mm film cameras in mind. Your DSLRs with grips won't fit, and neither will (most) medium-format film cameras.

Despite its relatively compact size, this can hold a lot of gear. Check out the video above for three ways to pack your Clever Supply Co. sling (psssst - it starts at 4:50!)

As I've already said, this is the best camera sling I've ever used.

It looks fantastic, stands up to rigorous use, and protects your gear in any situation you could find yourself in. It's a standout product for me.